abasile wrote:... the 2017 LEAF is rated at 112 MPGe compared to 99 MPGe on the 2011 LEAF. That's only 13% better, but still significant. Much of that comes from having a more efficient charging system, of course...

While this higher efficiency engine technology from Mazda isn't in showrooms either, we shouldn't really talk about EVs as a fait accompli (I checked the spelling this time). There's some very nice but very expensive and somewhat problematic luxury cars available from Tesla, a more mainstream model they are trying to get into production, the Bolt, and a ragtag collection of short range grocery getters. The future definitely isn't here yet.

This is more likely competition for hybrids than EVs in the near term.

SageBrush wrote:...When talking about ICE, one must be careful to distinguish peak efficiency, average efficiency, or efficiency at an arbitrary power band. Mazda picked an arbitrary power band that showcases the tech advance but that says very, very little about overall efficiency improvement. ...

This. Probably why the mention of using it to improve efficiency in hybrids -- the electric portion making up for the lack of general tractability of a "gasoline diesel". And so even if implemented would actually serve as a stepping-stone to full electric. Hybrids are the gateway drug to BEVs.

As a current and past owner of these intermediate electrified cars I would say that PHEV are gateway cars; hybrids act like normal ICE cars with improved fuel economy.

The earlier comment that the Mazda engine may be competition to hybrids sounds right to me. It will be interesting to follow, since Mazda has an excellent engineering reputation and they tend to live up to their marketing. EVs do appear to have a gathering momentum, at least in the developed countries and urban areas where pollution is a daily issue. That still leaves a lot of market to be exploited the world over. India, for example. Or perhaps in SUVs where EV is expensive.

As a current and past owner of these intermediate electrified cars I would say that PHEV are gateway cars; hybrids act like normal ICE cars with improved fuel economy.

I have to disagree, at least in the case of the Prius. In 2010 I persuaded my housemate to lease a Prius II, as a great lease was being offered. It was our first non-standard car, although I was into electric scooters and bicycles. What impressed her most was the quiet while stopped, and the gentle, quiet low speed ride. I really liked the electric drive. While many of us here now have PHEVs, I think that most of us hybrid to EV converts had standard hybrids first rather that PHEVs.

abasile wrote:... the 2017 LEAF is rated at 112 MPGe compared to 99 MPGe on the 2011 LEAF. That's only 13% better, but still significant. Much of that comes from having a more efficient charging system, of course...

That's interesting, as it challenges one of my long-help assumptions. However, if it's true that the 2013+ gains actually had more to do with drivetrain improvements, etc., and less to do with charging, that doesn't change my overall point. That is, overall EV efficiency has improved and should continue to improve, so efficiency and fuel savings should continue to be good reasons to drive EVs even with uptrending ICE vehicle efficiency.

SageBrush wrote:My rule of thumb for generic Americans is this:20 mpg for $2 a gallon fuel30 mpg for $3 a gallon fuel40 mpg for $4 a gallon fuel

So long as fuel costs meet these constraints, the consumer prioritizes things like looks, convenience and power.

I agree that this is the bigger hurdle for EVs. Many drivers will stick with what they're used to, unless/until it brings them significant discomfort.

This is one reason that I am a fan of Tesla, their product delays and glitches notwithstanding. Beautiful and fast cars that happen to be EVs while enabling full ICE replacement. I'm pretty sure that LEAF sales have benefited significantly from Tesla's existence.